In this final episode of Future of Texas – Unscripted, we discuss Sine Die for the 87th Legislative Session - what bills got passed, what bills got slashed, and what is yet to come. Partnership Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy, Lindsay Munoz, discusses with Partnership Vice President of Strategy, Ben Melson. In this episode we cover:Partnership priority bills and where they ended upLegislative personalities and maneuvers used during sessionSpecial sessions are on the horizon

In this episode of Future of Texas – Unscripted, we discuss legislative deadlines that have come and gone, and what is on the horizon as we enter the final days of session. Partnership Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy, Lindsay Munoz, discusses with Partnership Director of Public Policy, Ben Melson. In this episode we cover:Texas House bill deadlines Legislative strategy for keeping bills aliveBills that have been signed by Governor AbbottSenate approaches key deadlines

In this episode of Future of Texas – Unscripted, we discuss the legislation creating the Brain Institute of Texas (BITx). Partnership Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy, Lindsay Munoz, discusses with Partnership Director of Public Policy, Ben Melson. In this episode we cover:Upcoming deadlines in the final days of the legislative sessionThe state budget goes to conference committeeCensus numbers are rolled outBrain Institute of Texas has its day in the Texas House

In this episode of Future of Texas – Unscripted, we discuss Texas’s economic incentive programs – what they are, how they are used, and how we benefit from them in this region. Partnership Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, Lindsay Munoz, discusses with Partnership Senior Director of Regional Economic Development, Craig Rhodes. In this episode we cover: Major state legislation updates, including the budget and electricity reformEconomic development legislationUsing incentives to bring business to the region

In this episode of Future of Texas – Unscripted, we discuss major milestones for broadband legislation and revisit public education bills of sessions past. Partnership Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, Lindsay Munoz, discusses with Partnership Public Policy Director, Ben Melson. In this episode we cover:Statewide broadband bills get heard in committeesContinuing school finance needsLegislation to address school campus turnaround plans

In this episode of Future of Texas – Unscripted, we discuss the past year of living with COVID-19, and local, state and federal actions to address its impact. Partnership Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, Lindsay Munoz, discusses with Partnership Public Policy Director, Ben Melson. In this episode we cover: The 2020 COVID timelineCoordinated efforts by local, state and federal authoritiesGovernor Abbott’s Executive Order and Texas Pandemic Response ActAmerican Rescue Plan

In this episode of Future of Texas – Unscripted, we discuss the legislature’s reaction during and after the winter storm – what went wrong and where do we go from here. Partnership Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, Lindsay Munoz, discusses with Partnership Public Policy Director, Ben Melson. In this episode we cover:The legislative steps taken since the unprecedented freeze of February 2021 caused a failure of the state’s power gridUpdates on statewide broadband legislationUniversity of Houston testimony at Senate Finance CommitteeWhat’s up next for legislative committees

In this episode of Future of Texas – Unscripted, we discuss broadband access – what was done during 2020 to make improvements and how the issue of statewide expansion is likely to play out this session. Partnership Vice President of Policy and Advocacy Lindsay Munoz leads the discussion with Public Policy Director Ben Melson. In this episode we cover:The Partnership’s legislative delegation – who is chairing what during the 87th Legislative SessionBuilding support for a statewide broadband planCapitol momentum for legislation & the external support needed to get it over the finish line. 

In this episode of Future of Texas – Unscripted, we discuss mental health – gains made during the last Texas Legislative session to addressing it in our state and how the issue of mental health is likely to play out this session. We also look at the economic and workforce impact of heightened mental health support.  Partnership Vice President of Policy and Advocacy Lindsay Munoz leads the discussion with Public Policy Director Kaitlyn Murphy. In this episode we cover:The COVID-19 toll on mental health. Legislation passed during last session to combat mental health issues in youth and adults across Texas. How the pandemic is likely to impact the discussion of mental health during the current legislative session. How mental health issues can affect the workforce and impact the economy as a whole. 

In this inaugural edition of our Future of Texas – Unscripted podcast, we discuss the opening week of the 87th Texas Legislative session. Amid the backdrop of COVID-19 and state budget concerns, lawmakers gathered in Austin to kick off what promises to be an unprecedented session. Partnership Vice President of Policy and Advocacy Lindsay Munoz leads a discussion around the start of session with Senior Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Taylor Landin and Director of Public Policy Ben Melson. In this episode we discuss:The effect of the recent election on the makeup of the Legislature and the election of Speaker Dade Phelan. How COVID-19 is likely to impact the dynamics of the session.The biennial budget and concerns over what may be difficult cuts to key programs. The Partnership’s priority issues going into session, including Energy and Access. Some of the legislators likely to play pivotal roles around those issues.